Winner in General Scholarship on April 11th, 2010
Laura, a senior, is an outstanding student who balances a rigorous academic curriculum with many hours of community service. She holds a 3.7 unweighted grade point average and scored 26 on the ACT. She is president of the National Honor Society, treasurer of the French Club and secretary of the National Art Honor Society. She was awarded the Yale Book Award for her success in academics and her involvement in the community. Laura is a candidate for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. She is a member of the National Beta Club, Writers' Guild, International Club, Mock Trial, Model United Nations and National French Honor Society. Laura has won several awards for writing. She placed in the top 20 for MIFA's oratorical contest about Martin Luther King and the 2008 Presidential Election. Her essay, which was chosen and presented by the Memphis Women's Foundation, focused on leadership and leading women in the Memphis area. Laura has been published in Creative Communication and in the Anthology of Poetry. She was selected to compete in the National Council of Teachers of English Competition and has been awarded the Editor's Choice Award by Poetry.com. Laura is very insightful and it shows. Her heightened perception is evident in her writing. She has an insatiable fascination with philosophical ideas. She has a unique ability to analyze and find the deeper meaning behind ideas, events and emotions. She dissects subjects and finds the relationship between the parts. This talent distinguishes her from her peers. Laura has completed more than 100 hours of community service since her junior year. She has volunteered with Life Blood, Germantown Animal Shelter, Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, Children's Museum of Memphis and World Cause. Laura also has a passion for music. She has played the drums for the past five years, the ukulele for two years and guitar for three years. She performs with a local band and solo.
